Increased intracranial pressure is caused by an increase in cerebrospinal fluid pressure or swelling within the brain matter. As pressure rises, the brain undergoes compensatory changes to maintain blood flow, such as the Cushing response of bradycardia, bradypnea, and hypertension. Symptoms include headache, vomiting, decreased consciousness, and seizures. Management involves procedures to monitor pressure such as ventriculostomy and medications to reduce swelling like mannitol and dexamethasone, as well as careful nursing care. Complications can include brainstem herniation, diabetes insipidus, syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion, coma, and death.